Are There Differences in Elite Youth Soccer Player Work Rate Profiles in Congested vs. Regular Match Schedules?

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Youth Soccer Performance

Background:

• International tournaments often feature congested match schedules for youth soccer players.
• Limited data exists on physical and technical performance during these congested periods versus regular schedules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare physical (accelerations, decelerations, metabolic power) and technical performance metrics in elite youth soccer players between very congested match (VCM) and non-congested match (NCM) periods.
• To assess differences in perceived exertion between VCM and NCM schedules.

Main Methods:

• Compared accelerations, decelerations, mean metabolic power (MP), and technical actions per minute between VCM and NCM periods in U15 and U17 male soccer players.
• Utilized 15-Hz GPS units with 100-Hz triaxial accelerometers.
• Assessed session rating of perceived exertion (RPE) post-match.

Main Results:

• Higher accelerations, decelerations, and mean metabolic power per minute were observed during VCM compared to NCM for both U15 and U17 players.
• U17 players showed higher technical actions per minute in VCM, while U15 players showed lower offensive and defensive technical actions per minute.
• U15 players reported significantly higher session RPE during VCM periods.

Conclusions:

• Elite youth soccer players' running activity is not diminished during congested tournament schedules.
• Match intensity, indicated by accelerations, decelerations, and metabolic power, appears to increase during very congested match periods.
• While overall running load may be maintained, technical performance can be affected, particularly in younger age groups, and perceived exertion is higher.